Love Food Love Life

Deeti Vyas Beghin

Welcome to Love Food, Love Life, the podcast that’s all about celebrating the simple pleasures of great food, meaningful connections, and living a vibrant life. Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a foodie, wants to learn more about where our food comes from or just someone who loves to savor life’s best moments, this podcast is for you! Through stories, recipes, and practical tips, Love Food, Love Life will remind you that food isn’t just about fuel; it’s about joy, connection, and living life to the fullest.

  1. Rediscovering Indigenous Foodways: Foraging, Food Sovereignty and First Nations Cuisine

    Jun 18

    Rediscovering Indigenous Foodways: Foraging, Food Sovereignty and First Nations Cuisine

    Summary: In today's episode of the Love Food, Love Life podcast, Taylor Parker shares his journey through indigenous cuisine, emphasizing the importance of community, sustainability, and a return to roots. From his childhood experiences to his culinary endeavors, Parker illustrates how food connects us to our heritage while adapting to modern practices. Discover how traditional foods, foraging, and community-based dining are reshaping perceptions of indigenous food and reconnecting people with their land and culture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Chef Taylor's Journey 00:50 Growing Up on Six Nations and Early Life 01:35 Learning Indigenous Languages and Plant Knowledge 02:50 The Family Plant Nursery and Indigenous Plants 03:39 Connecting Plants to Food and Culture 05:06 Transition from Nursery to Culinary Arts 05:37 The Indigenous Food Lab and Culinary Philosophy 07:09 Community-Driven, Menu-Free Dining Experience 08:30 Indigenous Food as a Reflection of Land and Culture 09:50 The Three Sisters and Plant-Based Proteins 10:42 The Diversity of Indigenous Cuisine 11:12 French Fine Dining Meets Indigenous Ingredients 12:08 Adapting Menus to Seasonal and Foraged Ingredients 13:37 Foraging and Sourcing Indigenous Proteins 16:06 The Mushroom Arancini and Foraging Mushrooms 17:29 Fusion and Accessibility in Indigenous Food 19:24 The Spirit of Community and Sharing Food 20:50 Foraging on Crown Lands and Food Abundance 21:51 Documenting and Sharing Indigenous Plant Knowledge 24:15 The Role of Food in Reconnecting People to Land 26:11 Sustainable Practices and Zero Waste Philosophy 27:21 The Joy of Rustic, Community-Driven Dining 29:01 Where to Experience Indigenous Food in Toronto 31:09 The Diversity and Future of Indigenous Cuisine 32:35 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Guest Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taylorparker/ Indigenous Food Lab - https://thedepanneur.ca/products/supper-club-indigenous-food-lab-by-chef-taylor-parker-jun27

    36 min
  2. What Makes Truffles So Special? Exploring the World's Most Coveted Ingredient

    Jun 3

    What Makes Truffles So Special? Exploring the World's Most Coveted Ingredient

    Summary: Discover the secret world of truffles, their unique growing methods, and why they're considered a luxury food item. Join us as Hajira Ahmad shares her passion for truffles, from their biology and history to her journey into truffle hunting and product creation. Discover the secrets behind these luxury fungi, training dogs for truffle hunting, and how climate change impacts truffle production. Truffles, often dubbed the "diamonds of the kitchen," have captivated chefs and food lovers alike for centuries. But what exactly are truffles, and why are they so highly prized? In this post, we’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of truffles, including their unique growth process, the art of hunting them, and the culinary magic they bring to our plates. Whether you're a gourmet aficionado or just curious about these elusive fungi, there's something here for everyone. Key Topics: What are truffles and how do they growTraining dogs for truffle hunting and the history of using pigsThe difference between white and black truffles and their seasonsThe high cost and rarity of truffles and what makes them so luxuriousThe impact of climate change on truffle availability and quality Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Truffles 02:47 Hajira's Journey into Truffles 05:45 Training Dogs for Truffle Hunting 08:42 The Economics of Truffles 11:30 Understanding Truffle Varieties 14:27 The Italian Truffle Experience 17:43 The Art of Foraging: Truffles and Mushrooms 19:53 The Impact of Climate Change on Truffle Production 21:59 Identifying Quality Truffles: Tips and Techniques 24:41 Culinary Delights: Truffle Supper Club and Workshops 28:47 Celebrating Food: The Love for Italian Cuisine Resources and Links to connect with Hajira and Blackgold Experiences: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackgoldexperiences/ Website - https://blackgoldexperiences.com/ Book tickets for supperclub and workshop: https://thedepanneur.ca/products/supper-club-black-gold-fresh-italian-truffles-with-hajira-ahmad https://thedepanneur.ca/products/masterclass-discovering-truffles-with-hajira-ahmad

    36 min
  3. May 20

    Exploring Nigerian Food and Foodways and perfecting Jollof Rice

    # Exploring Nigerian Food, Culture, and the Evolution of Jollof Rice with Ozoz Sokoh Join us for an enriching conversation with Nigerian food explorer and culinary anthropologist Ozoz Sokoh as she shares her journey from geology to food, the deep history of Jollof rice, and the vibrant food culture of Nigeria. Discover how food acts as a bridge across cultures, the importance of preserving traditional recipes, and the exciting future of Nigerian cuisine. In this episode: Ozoz Sokoh’s transition from geologist to food researcher and food writerThe origins and cultural significance of Jollof rice in West AfricaDifferences between Nigerian and Senegalese Jollof riceThe concept of recipe biography and food evolution over timeHow food connects identity, emotion, and cultural heritageThe role of Nigerian hospitality and traditional dishes beyond JollofThe "New Nigerian Kitchen" philosophy of food innovation and preservationInsights into Nigerian foodways, seasonality, and the importance of food literacyThe Feast Afrique project, digital library, and storytelling through foodThe balance between traditional authenticity and culinary fusionHow to approach exploring African cuisine from afar and deepening cultural understandingChapters 00:00 The Essence of Jollof Rice 02:31 Ozoz's Journey with Food 05:20 Food as Comfort and Connection 08:03 Cultural Crossroads in Cuisine 11:02 Transitioning from Geology to Gastronomy 13:48 The Birth of World Jollof Rice Day 16:37 The History and Evolution of Jollof Rice 19:43 Exploring Nigerian Cuisine Beyond Jollof 26:51 The Role of Food in Nigerian Hospitality 34:51 Feast Afrique: Documenting African Cuisine 43:21 Tradition vs. Fusion in Nigerian Cuisine 48:18 Love Food, Love Life: A Culinary Philosophy Resources & Links and How to connect with Yozoz Sokoh: Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria (search for book by name)Kitchen ButterflyFeast AfriqueWeekend Wednesdays SubstackInstagram - Kitchen Butterfly

    54 min
  4. Jan 14

    Food, Culture and Identity

    Summary In this episode of the Love Food Love Life podcast, Deeti and Angela Zaher explore the deep connections between food, culture, and personal identity. Angela shares her journey from Lebanon to the UK, discussing how her multicultural background shaped her relationship with food. They delve into the emotional aspects of cooking, the importance of family meals, and how food serves as a bridge to heritage and memories. Angela also reflects on her transition from a career in law to food writing, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of cooking and the joy it brings to her family. The conversation highlights the fusion of culinary traditions and the significance of food as a means of connection and expression of love. Takeaways Angela's journey reflects resilience through cultural upheaval.Food serves as a connection to heritage and identity.Cooking can be a coping mechanism during difficult times.Family meals foster connection and shared experiences.Cultural fusion in cooking enriches culinary traditions.Food writing emerged as a creative outlet for Angela.Cooking is a way to express love and care for others.The emotional weight of food ties to memories and family.Baking is seen as an act of pleasure and joy.Food can be a therapeutic tool for processing grief. Chapters 00:00 Angela's Journey: From Beirut to London 07:06 The Role of Food in Identity and Culture 13:01 Rediscovering Heritage Through Cooking 23:23 Food as Love: Emotional Connections to Cuisine 26:48 Cultural Fusion in Cooking 30:36 The Journey to Food Writing 37:25 Advice for Aspiring Food Writers 43:51 Favorite Dishes and Cooking Inspirations To follow Angela's work and writing, you can find her on: https://www.instagram.com/angela_zaher/ https://angelazaher.com/

    57 min
  5. 07/09/2025

    Exploring the World of Wild Edible Flowers and Herbs

    Summary In this episode of the Love Food Love Life podcast, host Deeti speaks with Manuela Sarcia, an expert in edible flowers and herbs. They explore Manuela's journey from urban planner to agritourism entrepreneur in Sicily, discussing the cultural significance of wildflowers, their culinary and cosmetic uses, and the importance of reconnecting with nature. Manuela shares her knowledge on foraging, cooking with flowers, and creating natural products, emphasizing the need for curiosity and education in preserving this rich heritage. Takeaways Manuela's journey began in childhood, influenced by her grandmother's love for flowers.St. John's flower has both culinary and cosmetic benefits.Curiosity and knowledge are essential for discovering edible plants.Cultural traditions in Sicily highlight the significance of wildflowers.Edible flowers can enhance both the flavor and presentation of dishes.Identifying edible flowers requires knowledge and experience.Natural products can be made from flowers for health and beauty.Reconnecting with nature is vital for personal and community well-being.Seasonal foraging offers diverse opportunities for culinary creativity.Agritourism plays a crucial role in educating people about sustainable practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Edible Flowers and Herbs 07:05 The Importance of Curiosity and Knowledge 13:04 Identifying Edible Flowers 18:52 Sustainable Practices and Natural Products 24:59 Experiences and Workshops on the Farm 30:50 The Role of Community and Art in Agriculture If you are ever visiting Sicily and want to do a tour with Manuela, cookery courses or stay in their beautiful hotel, check out this link for more information: http://www.agriturismostallaini.com/

    37 min

About

Welcome to Love Food, Love Life, the podcast that’s all about celebrating the simple pleasures of great food, meaningful connections, and living a vibrant life. Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a foodie, wants to learn more about where our food comes from or just someone who loves to savor life’s best moments, this podcast is for you! Through stories, recipes, and practical tips, Love Food, Love Life will remind you that food isn’t just about fuel; it’s about joy, connection, and living life to the fullest.